Wild South Hike in Bankhead National Forest, Feb. 6

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org. Group size is limited and advance sign-up is required. Those bringing at least one child or teenager will get priority on the sign-up list.

Leader: Janice Barrett

Distance: Approx. 3 miles or less round trip

Rating: Moderate

All ages welcome, especially children

Caney Creek Falls is a spectacular year-round waterfall. Hikers will explore the surrounding sandstone bluffs and boulders and enjoy a short walk downstream away from the falls on the rocky, forested creekbank that is embraced by tall Eastern hemlocks and upholstered in lush green mosses and ferns.

Hikers will practice Leave No Trace principles in order to leave as little impact as possible on this fragile canyon eco-system.

The approach to the canyon is a 1-mile hike on an old road, gradually downhill most of the way, until the end where the trail descends more steeply then is briefly quite precipitous (narrow trail, steep drop-off). Hiking out, it’s a steep climb up for the first quarter mile or so.

Be prepared for shallow, rocky, slippery creek crossings and some narrow, steep sections of trail.

Wear clothes and footwearappropriate for weather and that will provide secure traction on slippery, muddy, rocky terrain.

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks and drinking water.

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company (link above) at 9:30. Park on the south end of the building and come into the store. Find the Wild South picnic table toward the back where the wild, dead things are. This is where we will gather before departing for our trailhead.